The Gandhi Peace Foundation has urged the Central government to honour Richard Attenborough, who died a few days ago, for spreading the ideals of Gandhi through his Oscar winning film Gandhi .
“It is true that Mahatma Gandhi was known worldwide even before the film on his life was made.
But, it was the film that spread his ideals to the worldwide audience. But for Richard Attenborough, the unmatched non-violent movement wouldn’t have reached the worldwide audience.
He definitely deserves one of the highest awards in the country,” S. Kulandhaisamy, secretary, Gandhi Peace Foundation told The Hindu .
It was said that Mr. Attenborough took a huge risk on the film on the Mahatma by investing his savings, time and energy.
Through his movie he made Gandhi come alive again, more than three decades after his assassination.
Although British himself, Mr. Attenborough didn’t hesitate to show the atrocities unleashed by British rulers on Indian freedom fighters in his film, Mr. Kulandhaisamy added.
“Through the film, Mr. Attenborough spread Gandhi’s ideals of peace, harmony, brotherhood and non-violence among the people worldwide. He deserves to get the Gandhi Peace Award,” said Mr. Kulandhaisamy. He also said the government should also come forward to institute an award in honour of Mr. Attenborough for movies that portray the values of non-violence.
Similarly, a special stamp could be released to remember his contribution to popularise the image of Gandhi.
Mr. Kulandhaisamy added that the Gandhi Peace Foundation would organise a campaign to seek the honour for Mr. Attenborough.
